South of the Clouds | Yunnan Tour

Day 1 - Arrival in Kunming and intro walking tour

Arrival in Kunming and after lunch check-in to a downtown hotel before an introductory walking tour of the area and a local-style welcome dinner.

Overnight: Kunming Transport: Walk,  Meals: D, 

Day 2 - Shilin Stone Forest and Green Lake Park

Morning exploring the spectacular limestone, karst landscapes of the nearby, World Heritage Shilin Stone Forest. In the afternoon we’ll return to Kunming to check out the activities in the charming, 17th century Green Lake Park.

Overnight: Kunming Transport: Minibus, Walk,  Meals: B, L, 

Day 3 - Train to Dali and tour of the ancient city

Morning departure west by bullet train for the historic town of Dali, situated between forest-covered mountains and the shore of Lake Erhai. An afternoon tour takes in the iconic 3 Pagodas plus a walking tour of the well-preserved old town district.

Overnight: Dali Transport: Train, Walk,  Meals: B, L, 

Day 4 - Xizhou market and Shibao Stone Temple

Early departure for the ethnic Bai village of Xizhou on the banks of Erhai Lake with time to wander its old lanes as well as take in its lively, morning street market. From here we detour into the hills and the picturesque Shibao Stone Temple before continuing in the afternoon to Lijiang for accommodation in World Heritage-listed Shuhe Village.

Overnight: Lijiang-Shuhe Transport: Minibus, Walk,  Meals: B, L, 

Day 5 - Lijiang Old Town and Black Dragon Pool

Morning exploration of ancient Lijiang before heading up to the beautiful Black Dragon Pool Park which offers spectacular views of the dramatic Jade Snow Dragon Mountain which overlooks the town. In the afternoon we’ll visit Baisha, another UNESCO-listed village and the cultural centre for the local Naxi people.

Overnight: Lijiang-Shuhe Transport: Minibus, Walk,  Meals: B, L, 

Day 6 - Morning Shuhe tour and on to Tiger Leaping Gorge

Some time at leisure in the morning allows you to explore further the lanes of Shuhe Village before a departure north to Tiger Leaping Gorge. Afternoon to explore the stunning landscape or simply perch on our lodge’s terraces admiring the breathtaking views,

Overnight: Tiger Leaping Gorge Transport: Minibus, Walk,  Meals: B, 

Day 7 - On to the Tibetan Plateau and Ganden Sumtseling Monastery

This morning we head north, onto the Tibetan Plateau, to the town of Zhongdian, officially renamed Shangri La in 2001 by the Chinese government. The afternoon’s programme includes a visit to the vast Ganden Sumtseling monastery, as well as a visit to one of the area’s Tibetan villages. Some time in the evening to explore the scenic Old Town area.

Overnight: Shangri La Transport: Minibus, Walk,  Meals: B, L, D, 

Day 8 - Bullet train from Shangri La to Kunming

Morning departure by train for Kunming. Afternoon arrival and some time at leisure before a local-style, farewell dinner.

Overnight: Kunming Transport: Train, Walk,  Meals: B, D, 

Day 9 - End of tour

Late morning check-out and end of your tour. Transfers to Kunming International Airport are included if you booked the ‘with flights’ option and if you booked your own flights, can be added on request. (Note Kunming offers direct routes to Hanoi, Bangkok, Chiang Mai and most major regional airports.)

Note extra nights in Kunming are available before or after your tour as is an optional extensions to Luang Prabang in Laos

Meals: B,